PDI's focus has been on ultralow noise CMOS image sensors for industrial and biomedical systems. Its "active reset" technology can reduce noise by one or two orders of magnitude, compared to traditional CMOS pixel technologies, enabling low-light imaging for embedded cell phone cameras or for high-speed industrial and biomedical camera applications, the company said.

Agilent said it plans to apply PDI's technology to its next-generation image sensors, such as miniature camera modules it's developing for wireless handsets, and to use PDI's low-noise technology to enhance low-light imaging capability.

The transaction is expected to close by mid-February. Financial details were not disclosed.